Contrary to recent rumors, medical center stocks plenty of rattlesnake anti-venom

Rattlesnake bites can be deadly, but Sidney Regional Medical Center has the cure.

SRMC recently received several phone calls from worried residents who were under the impression that the center does not keep antidote for rattlesnake poison in stock.

"Unfortunately they think we don't carry the anti-venom, when we do," said Rachel Forster, Director of Pharmacy at the Sidney health care facility.

The center always carries the anti-venom because Sidney's climate and geography are considered rattlesnake friendly. In addition, the number of farms and ranches, as well as residents who enjoy outdoor pursiuts, generally puts people in harm's way.

SRMC staff have not treated any bites so far this year. They did not report any last year, either. This is atypical, Forster said. The center usually sees around one victim per year.

"Most people get bitten when they're outside without the proper footwear," Forster noted.

While many residents consider neighborhoods safe, poisonous snakes occasionally rest close to homes. Gardeners might fall prey to a rattlesnake when taking care of leafy plants, for example.

Forster suggests sticking a hoe or some other garden tool into any foliage in order to scare away snakes hiding underneath before working with bare hands.

Reports of rattlesnakes at homes aren't normally a big problem in Sidney, said Joanie Matthes, Code Enforcement Officer for Sidney Police Department.

"There are not usually a lot, maybe a handful per year," Matthes said.

A rattlesnakes has a blotched or banded body and a triangular head that is much wider than its neck, according to the University of Nebraska cooperative extension. Of course, the most telling sign of this snake is its signature rattling sound, designed to warn away predators that approach too near.

Sometimes people confuse rattlesnakes with bull snakes. The only obvious difference is the rattle.

Since there is no repellant or pest control to keep rattlesnakes away, Matthes recommends a simple solution to avoid being bitten.

"If you see a rattlesnake, turn around and go the other way," Matthes said.

Anyone who is bitten by a rattlesnake should go to the hospital or see their doctor immediately.